Can You Really Choose an Integer at Random for April Fools?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of selecting an integer at random, particularly in the context of an April Fools' theme. Participants explore the implications of probability, identity, and the humorous aspects of the forum culture.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the feasibility of selecting an integer uniformly at random.
  • There is a discussion about the laws of probability, with one participant suggesting that events with zero probability can still occur.
  • One participant humorously connects the topic to the idea of identity by referencing avatars and the notion of looking like another member.
  • Another participant reflects on the chaotic nature of the day, using exaggerated metaphors to describe a series of unfortunate events.
  • Some participants engage in playful banter regarding the identity of members and the implications of everyone adopting a similar avatar.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the selection of integers and the nature of probability. There is no consensus on whether one can truly select an integer at random or the implications of doing so.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of probability, particularly concerning events with zero probability. The humorous context may affect the seriousness of the claims made.

Who May Find This Useful

Members interested in probability theory, discussions on randomness, and the playful culture of online forums may find this thread engaging.

kmarinas86
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https://www.physicsforums.com/misc/afools/afools.gif
 
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Prove to me that you're not Evo. Or that I'm not Evo.
 
You could've left my original avatar as I was told I look like Evo when she was younger :)
 
haha this avatar freaked me out
 
Femme_physics said:
You could've left my original avatar as I was told I look like Evo when she was younger :)

Either Evo does not look like Evo, or there is a portrait of her in the Tate Museum...
 
Did Quantum Physics just divide by zero again?
 
Drakkith said:
Did Quantum Physics just divide by zero again?

Nah, it's just the laws of probability that got violated again.
Mike, one of our new members, explained:
http://img.spikedmath.com/comics/494-math-dad.png
 
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Anyway, I believe it started in the member photo thread at post #4446, where Greg had just explained that he is engaged!

You can't see it now, but one after the other of the repliers took on Evo's avatar.
 
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Thanks to this day and Evo, everyone's got a beautiful avatar even ordinary members!:-p
 
  • #10
The day started off badly. First, I fell down the stairs. I strained my resources, shattered my hopes, broke my concentration, wounded my pride, severed my relationships, shivered my timbers, rent my apartment, battered my chicken, cut my losses, cracked my case wide open, injured my chances, damaged my reputation, fractured my funny bone and split my sides. They put me in a cast of thousands. Then I took a shower and when I went to dry my hair, I banned myself. Next I couldn't find my debit card, and now this.
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
Nah, it's just the laws of probability that got violated again.
Mike, one of our new members, explained:



http://img.spikedmath.com/comics/494-math-dad.png


There's no violation, cause things with probability zero can still happen.

If you would take a random integer, the chance of it being 1 is zero, but it's still possible.
 
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  • #12
I thought cloning people was illegal?
 
  • #13
mr. vodka said:
There's no violation, cause things with probability zero can still happen.

If you would take a random integer, the chance of it being 1 is zero, but it's still possible.

So if the chance that someone becomes Evo is zero, it could still happen that everyone becomes Evo?
 
  • #14
You can't select an integer uniformly at random
 

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